Investment in Wanuskewin to pay long-term dividends

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Wanuskewin Heritage Park, located just north of Saskatoon on a picturesque piece of land bordering the South Saskatchewan River, has already accomplished much in its 10 years of existence. In this span, the park has grown from an ambitious but unproven dream to a world class cultural and tourism facility that now attracts thousands of visitors per month. On March 6, the government of Canada recognized Wanuskewin for its successes and made a strong commitment to its future by announcing $500,000 in new funding through Western Economic Diversification (WD).

"Building on our past support for this wonderful Park, WD is pleased to help Wanuskewin renew its visitor centre. This is important, behind-the-scenes work that has to be done in order for the rest of the park to function properly," said Stephen Owen, Secretary of State for both Western Economic Diversification and Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

As Owen's words indicated, the new funding will be allocated to a number of capital projects, such as renovating the park's visitor centre and upgrading its aging computer system. Though only 10 years old, these building improvements are needed because the current facilities can no longer adequately handle the large and ever-increasing number of visitors. The total cost of the planned renovations, which will begin soon and be completed in 2003, is estimated at $656,000.

"This is a significant contribution towards the future success of our 6,000 year old National Historic Site," said Sheila Gamble, chief executive officer of the park. "Infrastructure changes and a refurbishment of the park's exhibit halls will provide crucial support for Wanuskewin to expand on its international tourism destination status."

Some 40,000 people visited the park in 2001. When renovations are completed in 2003, this number is expected to rise to 54,000. At present, 25 per cent of visitors are international, coming from France, Great Britain, Japan, Germany, South America and the United States. The park plans to increase national and international visitations to 40 per cent. Considering that these already impressive numbers have been achieved primarily through word-of-mouth advertising, this goal seems easily attainable.

"Western Economic Diversification supports initiatives to promote the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada. More domestic and international tourism will certainly help the park, the region and the province," said Joanne Mysak, the WD's manager of consultations, marketing and communications.

Though the park's popularity and financial well being go hand-in-hand, Wanuskewin is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. Its mission is not to make money, but rather to foster greater public awareness, understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture. Tourism is a major part of this mission, but Wanuskewin also strives to be a leading scientific, cultural and educational authority on the Northern Plains First Nations people. The upcoming renovations will also contribute to growth in this area, primarily through a greater cooperation with the University of Saskatchewan.

The U of S already works closely with Wanuskewin, maintaining a number of archeological sites on the premises. More spacious facilities will allow the university to have an even greater on-site presence, and could include offering classes from the park itself.

"Future justice and prosperity in Western Canada will be linked to the full participation of Aboriginal people in the overall economic development of the West," said Owen. "Working with the West, the government of Canada and Western Economic Diversification Canada are providing programs and services that maximize the most valuable resources available - the talents, energy and ideas of western Canadians."